Interrupted (The Progress Series) by Amy Queau Read Free Book Online Page A

feel of his rough hands on her cheeks. 
    Pulling herself out of the quick flash, she realized she had taken too long of a pause. She shook her head and tried to focus on her next words. “Yes. Slow. We’ll take it slow.”
    He let a small laugh escape. “On one condition…”
    “What’s that?”
    “That you give me one of those kisses every time I see you.”
    She blushed and looked down. Samuel grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it just as the server brought out their chocolate malt—with two straws.
    *
    Time slowed down with Samuel. Charlie was able to catch her breath and process things easier. There was no anger, confusion, or built up tension swirling in the air around them. She didn’t anticipate that his words would hurt her or that he had any intention of malice. It was so much easier than what she was used to. She hadn’t realized how much she would appreciate that.
    After dinner, Samuel grabbed her coat and offered to help her put it on.
    I didn’t know guys still did things like this.
    “Thanks,” she said as he opened the door for her on their way out. “Oh, and thanks again for the movie and dinner. I had a fun time tonight.”
    “You’re welcome. So, what would you like to do now?”
    She glanced at her watch.
    “Oh, come on! The night is young! Let’s live a little. We can play video games, or watch a movie. We could even go and park somewhere,” he said, elbowing her arm.
    “You mean, go to a park? To a park,” she said without amusement.
    “Sure, that too,” he said.
    Everything reminds me of Jess. Jesus, Charlie. Get him out of your head!
    “It really is late. I have some things I have to take care of tomorrow.” Bile was rising in her esophagus at the thought of kissing Samuel with Jess in the back of her mind.
    “Okay… Is everything okay? You look a little pale,” he said.
    Feeling small beads of sweat on her brow, she tried to wipe them away without making it obvious. “Just a little nervous about that kiss.”
    His concerned expression softened to a smile. “Don’t be.” He softly placed his hands on her cheeks and brought his mouth to hers. Innocent at first, he laid soft kisses on her top lip. His tongue parted her lips, looking for an invitation, and she obliged. As they stood on the lit street corner, his hand moved to the small of her back and he pulled her close to him. She rested her arms on his shoulders and enjoyed the sensuous torment of knowing it wouldn’t go past this. Not tonight.
    Again, he pulled away too quickly.
    With his breathing ragged, he pressed his forehead against hers with his eyes closed. “Slow.” He exhaled. “Damn it, this is going to be hard.” He kissed her forehead and took her hand to cross the street back to their cars.

Chapter Seven
     
    Laying her head on the pillow that evening, Charlie found herself feeling giddy—a feeling she hadn’t had for years. In fact, she couldn’t recall it ever quite feeling like this before. Every crush she’d ever had always turned into negative thoughts about herself: He’ll never like me; I’m the size of a whale. Even if he found me remotely attractive, I’d never let him see me naked. There’s nothing sensual or sexy about me, even I wouldn’t have sex with me .
    Now, it was completely reversed. She felt confident, beautiful and worthy. She hadn’t fully invested in Samuel yet, and she was sure he felt the same. But there was an emotional pull between the two of them, something that made her stomach flip and her heart warm. A confidence that she had always lacked before was beginning to flourish with every shy look he gave her, every tingling touch upon her, and every unassuming kiss that melted her.
    “Knock, knock,” Bill said, walking down the steps.
    “Hey Pops! I’m in bed. What’s going on?”
    Bill stayed on the other side of the wall. “…Are you decent?”
    “Oh gosh yes, Dad. Come in.”
    “Just making sure.” He came around the corner to find Charlie bundled